Help for EU citizens to prove immigration status online

The Stay in Scotland campaign has been relaunched with updated resources to help European Union (EU) citizens living in Scotland access and prove their immigration status online using the UK Government’s ‘view and prove’ service.

Although the Scottish Government continues to push the UK Government to offer physical proof of immigration status, EU citizens currently have to use the Home Office’s digital-only system to prove their rights in the UK.

The Scottish Government is concerned that many people are struggling to use this system to prove their immigration status, putting them at risk of losing work, accommodation and access to benefits.

Europe Minister Jenny Gilruth said:

“We value the contribution EU citizens make to our country and we are concerned that many people are experiencing difficulties with the UK Government’s ‘view and prove’ service. Vulnerable citizens in particular are finding it challenging to prove their status to service providers and employers.

“We’ve now updated our resources to help EU citizens navigate the UK Government’s digital-only system and ensure they still have access to work, accommodation and benefits.

“And together with the Welsh and Northern Irish governments, we are continuing to urge the Home Office to provide EU citizens in the UK with a physical document to prove their immigration status.”

The Scottish Government is working with partner organisations, including Citizens Advice Scotland, to provide support and resources to EU citizens.

This includes information on mygov.scot and a free helpline, 0800 916 9847, to answer queries on how to use the online ‘view and prove’ service.

Background

The Stay in Scotland campaign was launched in 2019 to support EU citizens living in Scotland ahead of the deadline for European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) applications on 30 June 2021. Late applications to the scheme are still possible in certain circumstances. 

On 20 December 2021, ministers from the devolved administrations called on the UK Government to offer physical proof of status to EU citizens.